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Don’t Count on Me
What if you knew exactly how many more times you’d see someone again?
That’s Alma Pendle’s reality. Neon numbers float above everyone’s heads, counting down her remaining encounters with them. Friends. Strangers. Even family.
She thought it was normal until she told her best friend and wound up in the psych ward.
Now, her mum’s high as a kite, her beloved Nanke’s vanished without a word, and every man she ever meets is history before he even has a chance.
Alma doesn’t want to be special. She just wants to be normal.
But fate - or whatever’s behind the numbers - has other plans
That’s Alma Pendle’s reality. Neon numbers float above everyone’s heads, counting down her remaining encounters with them. Friends. Strangers. Even family.
She thought it was normal until she told her best friend and wound up in the psych ward.
Now, her mum’s high as a kite, her beloved Nanke’s vanished without a word, and every man she ever meets is history before he even has a chance.
Alma doesn’t want to be special. She just wants to be normal.
But fate - or whatever’s behind the numbers - has other plans
298 pages, ebook
Published September 19, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 19, 2025
Don't Count On Me is a debut novel and a cracking one at that! Claire Camden has created such a unique story that I don't think I will ever stop thinking about it.
Alma isn't like everybody else. She sees neon numbers floating above the heads of everyone. These signify the number of times she will meet with them in her life, this does include family too. She thinks it's run of the mill until she ends up in a psychiatic unit.
She hasn't had the best start, her dad died when she was young, her mum is a prostitute and the one bright light in her life is on the missing list, Namke, her grandmother.
Alma's decision-making is based on the numbers. They rule her life. All she wants is to be normal and see her Namke, but where is she?
Original, refreshing, these are the words I use to describe this intriguing book. I took Alma to my heart with everything she had and still was going through. The characterisation was great. There were characters who I really couldn't stand to.
If there is one book you read this year, make it this one! I am so excited to see what Claire Camden writes next. If it is half as good as this one, I will be happy!
Alma isn't like everybody else. She sees neon numbers floating above the heads of everyone. These signify the number of times she will meet with them in her life, this does include family too. She thinks it's run of the mill until she ends up in a psychiatic unit.
She hasn't had the best start, her dad died when she was young, her mum is a prostitute and the one bright light in her life is on the missing list, Namke, her grandmother.
Alma's decision-making is based on the numbers. They rule her life. All she wants is to be normal and see her Namke, but where is she?
Original, refreshing, these are the words I use to describe this intriguing book. I took Alma to my heart with everything she had and still was going through. The characterisation was great. There were characters who I really couldn't stand to.
If there is one book you read this year, make it this one! I am so excited to see what Claire Camden writes next. If it is half as good as this one, I will be happy!
August 29, 2025
I was given an advanced copy to review (thank you!). I loved the premise of the book, it was really unusual. I loved the main character Alma. It was a book which had lovely, funny and then sad and heartbreaking moments.
October 5, 2025
I was instantly intrigued by this book right from the second I spotted this front cover.
As you know, I tend to go into books blind and other than the little hints on the cover, I had no clue what this storyline would entail.
I loved Alma right away - she was so relatable even with her strange ability.
I loved that she constantly had these internal conversations - which is pretty much me all over!
I don't, however, see numbers as Alma does.
These numbers show above people's heads and tell her how many more times she's going to meet the person in the future.
I thought this was such a cool concept but couldn't really decide whether it would be a blessing or a curse!?
This was well written and had such a refreshing and distinctive style.
I was hooked from the start and raced through this so fast, not ready for it to end.
This was my first read by Thai author, but I'm certainly going to be reading more in the future.
As you know, I tend to go into books blind and other than the little hints on the cover, I had no clue what this storyline would entail.
I loved Alma right away - she was so relatable even with her strange ability.
I loved that she constantly had these internal conversations - which is pretty much me all over!
I don't, however, see numbers as Alma does.
These numbers show above people's heads and tell her how many more times she's going to meet the person in the future.
I thought this was such a cool concept but couldn't really decide whether it would be a blessing or a curse!?
This was well written and had such a refreshing and distinctive style.
I was hooked from the start and raced through this so fast, not ready for it to end.
This was my first read by Thai author, but I'm certainly going to be reading more in the future.
September 22, 2025
I fell in love with the premise. What if you knew how many more times you’d see someone. I’ll admit to not really thinking that through and as my parents are having health issues, working through what that meant at the beginning of the book really threw me for a loop. I state this since this might make my thoughts vary a lot from other readers. It gave me a lot of food for thought as I read it.
Weirdly where I thought the book was heading based on the premise and where it went surprised me. I expected more mystery or suspense about the numbers, but it turned out it was more thoughtful on how what that means and how would you live your life. If you’ve read The Measure, it reminded me a little of that. Would you want to know and how would you live your life if you knew? It delves into how this affects Alma’s life. As we meet her at the beginning of the book, she is institutionalized for telling someone she can see these numbers.
I think this is incredibly thought provoking and why I compared it to The Measure. But I didn’t really connect with Alma. I desperately wanted to know more about the numbers and all the intricacies about them, but I didn’t care as much as I could for Alma. With that further step, I would be shouting about this from the rooftops and telling everyone to drop what they are reading and pick it up. I couldn’t figure out a way to write that without sounding harsh, because I really did like this read. It’s one of the more unique premises of books I’ve read this year and I loved how it got my brain engaged. I had so many thoughts about how and why as I went along.
It would be a great book club choice with lots of avenues for discussion and maybe even a better buddy read choice where you discuss as you read. It’s definitely a conversation starter.
This will stay with me for a while.
Weirdly where I thought the book was heading based on the premise and where it went surprised me. I expected more mystery or suspense about the numbers, but it turned out it was more thoughtful on how what that means and how would you live your life. If you’ve read The Measure, it reminded me a little of that. Would you want to know and how would you live your life if you knew? It delves into how this affects Alma’s life. As we meet her at the beginning of the book, she is institutionalized for telling someone she can see these numbers.
I think this is incredibly thought provoking and why I compared it to The Measure. But I didn’t really connect with Alma. I desperately wanted to know more about the numbers and all the intricacies about them, but I didn’t care as much as I could for Alma. With that further step, I would be shouting about this from the rooftops and telling everyone to drop what they are reading and pick it up. I couldn’t figure out a way to write that without sounding harsh, because I really did like this read. It’s one of the more unique premises of books I’ve read this year and I loved how it got my brain engaged. I had so many thoughts about how and why as I went along.
It would be a great book club choice with lots of avenues for discussion and maybe even a better buddy read choice where you discuss as you read. It’s definitely a conversation starter.
This will stay with me for a while.
September 15, 2025
4.25 ⭐s
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I recieved a copy from the author via Voracious Readers ahead of the expected publishing date: 19 Sep 2025. Thank you!
When I first started Don’t Count on Me, I was a little lost with the opening. Alma, the main character, sees numbers floating above people’s heads that show how many interactions she’ll have with them. At first I didn’t really get it, and it felt confusing. But as the story went on, I realized those visions were a big part of what makes Alma’s life so hard and how people misunderstood her.
Her backstory is rough—her dad dies, her mom falls into drugs and prostitution, and Alma ends up in a mental hospital because of the visions. The book doesn’t sugarcoat her pain, and honestly, it’s tough to read in places. But that’s also what makes her growth later on feel so powerful.
The ending really worked for me. After everything she went through, Alma finds love, stability, and happiness. She has a home, a partner, and a baby on the way. It felt like such a relief to see her finally put together after all the heartbreak.
Overall, this book was heavy in parts but also moving. Even though the beginning was confusing for me, I’m glad I stuck with it. Alma’s story is about survival and hope, and it left me feeling satisfied by the time I closed the last page.
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
I recieved a copy from the author via Voracious Readers ahead of the expected publishing date: 19 Sep 2025. Thank you!
When I first started Don’t Count on Me, I was a little lost with the opening. Alma, the main character, sees numbers floating above people’s heads that show how many interactions she’ll have with them. At first I didn’t really get it, and it felt confusing. But as the story went on, I realized those visions were a big part of what makes Alma’s life so hard and how people misunderstood her.
Her backstory is rough—her dad dies, her mom falls into drugs and prostitution, and Alma ends up in a mental hospital because of the visions. The book doesn’t sugarcoat her pain, and honestly, it’s tough to read in places. But that’s also what makes her growth later on feel so powerful.
The ending really worked for me. After everything she went through, Alma finds love, stability, and happiness. She has a home, a partner, and a baby on the way. It felt like such a relief to see her finally put together after all the heartbreak.
Overall, this book was heavy in parts but also moving. Even though the beginning was confusing for me, I’m glad I stuck with it. Alma’s story is about survival and hope, and it left me feeling satisfied by the time I closed the last page.
August 12, 2025
• ARC REVIEW •
Thank you to NetGalley and Lit Ideas publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
•
The premise of this book is really interesting and it was executed really well. I got into it straight away and even though some of the language used was a bit weird and cringy at times, I still liked it.
The whole concept of seeing numbers above people’s heads to countdown the amount of encounters you’d have with them was so unique, but also creepy. Absolutely not. No thank you, I’d rather not know 😂 it was interesting to see how Alma dealt with it and how she figured out the maths behind the numbers.
I do feel like some of it was rushed, it would suddenly time jump with no warning and no explanation, she would suddenly be somewhere else with someone brand new in the very next chapter with little context.
I did like the way it was written, it read exactly how the character Alma is, and felt very personal and connected me more to her as I got to know her as a person throughout her story.
Overall, I did like this and it would have been a 3 stars, it was so so close to being so, until the epilogue. I took off a star because of my most hated trope, it’s overused and I’m sick of it, I don’t want to spoil so I won’t say what it is, but if you know you know!
Thank you to NetGalley and Lit Ideas publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
•
The premise of this book is really interesting and it was executed really well. I got into it straight away and even though some of the language used was a bit weird and cringy at times, I still liked it.
The whole concept of seeing numbers above people’s heads to countdown the amount of encounters you’d have with them was so unique, but also creepy. Absolutely not. No thank you, I’d rather not know 😂 it was interesting to see how Alma dealt with it and how she figured out the maths behind the numbers.
I do feel like some of it was rushed, it would suddenly time jump with no warning and no explanation, she would suddenly be somewhere else with someone brand new in the very next chapter with little context.
I did like the way it was written, it read exactly how the character Alma is, and felt very personal and connected me more to her as I got to know her as a person throughout her story.
Overall, I did like this and it would have been a 3 stars, it was so so close to being so, until the epilogue. I took off a star because of my most hated trope, it’s overused and I’m sick of it, I don’t want to spoil so I won’t say what it is, but if you know you know!
October 5, 2025
What an incredible debut. Don’t Count on Me drew me in right away with its mix of realism and the supernatural. We first meet Alma Pendle at sixteen, living hand to mouth after losing her father and watching her mother spiral into addiction and prostitution. She’s had a rough start, but things take an even stranger turn when she realises she has a rare gift—or maybe a curse. Every time she meets someone, she can see a neon sign above their head showing how many more times she’ll ever see them before they’re gone for good. It’s an eerie and moving concept that really makes you think about connection and loss.
As Alma grows older, her life improves financially but her relationships remain complicated. After revealing her secret to friends, she ends up in a psychiatric ward where she meets Kate, who later becomes her closest ally. The story also introduces unsettling elements, including a stalker named Sam, that add tension and emotional weight. I loved how the author balanced raw honesty about trauma and recovery with moments of hope and self-discovery. It’s a beautifully written novel that lingers in your mind long after the last page. Thanks to TBC reviewer group and author for the opportunity to read and review.
As Alma grows older, her life improves financially but her relationships remain complicated. After revealing her secret to friends, she ends up in a psychiatric ward where she meets Kate, who later becomes her closest ally. The story also introduces unsettling elements, including a stalker named Sam, that add tension and emotional weight. I loved how the author balanced raw honesty about trauma and recovery with moments of hope and self-discovery. It’s a beautifully written novel that lingers in your mind long after the last page. Thanks to TBC reviewer group and author for the opportunity to read and review.
August 15, 2025
This is the first work by this particular author I've read, and having enjoyed it immensely, I'm confident that it won't be the last! Despite knowing nothing about the book other than its title, I found myself instantly gripped by the unwinding storyline and thought the premise behind it was brilliant. Claire Camden's writing style is sharp, punchy, and quite witty, which I really liked.
The story centres around Alma, who has a very special talent. Whether it is a blessing or a curse may divide opinion. As we follow her through her young young life, getting to know her backstory and the people around her, we see how her unique 'gift' influences her journey, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Along the way, there there are a number of interesting twists and turns and a few surprises. It isn't always smooth sailing for Alma, but she never gives up. Does it all work out well for her in the end? You'll have to read the story for yourself to discover the answer to that one!
Would I want Alma's ability? On balance, I think not. Did I enjoy reading about it. Yes, most definitely. This was a cracking book from start to finish.
The story centres around Alma, who has a very special talent. Whether it is a blessing or a curse may divide opinion. As we follow her through her young young life, getting to know her backstory and the people around her, we see how her unique 'gift' influences her journey, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Along the way, there there are a number of interesting twists and turns and a few surprises. It isn't always smooth sailing for Alma, but she never gives up. Does it all work out well for her in the end? You'll have to read the story for yourself to discover the answer to that one!
Would I want Alma's ability? On balance, I think not. Did I enjoy reading about it. Yes, most definitely. This was a cracking book from start to finish.
September 19, 2025
I loved the way the cover of this book drew me in and its intriguing premise.
Alma Pendle knows sees numbers, and these numbers above each person’s head, signifies how times she will encounter them. Sometimes a good thing, sometimes not. Simply put, I loved Alma. I felt so sorry for her as all she wants is to be normal and be loved. But with her mother a waste of space and her beloved grandmother avoiding her, she has very few people she feels a true connection with. Although I enjoyed the way how at times, she certainly made her gift work to her advantage, I had a strong sense of the loneliness surrounding her. I enjoyed how some of the people she comes into contact with become true friends, especially her protective neighbour. However, at times, I could almost feel her desperation as she tries, with to be honest, with good reason, to force the numbers to do her bidding.
Don’t Count on Me is an awesome read and I found it difficult to believe that it’s the debut novel by Claire. It’s a book which will stay with me for a long time, making me ask the question, is knowing how much time you have with a person a blessing or a curse?
Alma Pendle knows sees numbers, and these numbers above each person’s head, signifies how times she will encounter them. Sometimes a good thing, sometimes not. Simply put, I loved Alma. I felt so sorry for her as all she wants is to be normal and be loved. But with her mother a waste of space and her beloved grandmother avoiding her, she has very few people she feels a true connection with. Although I enjoyed the way how at times, she certainly made her gift work to her advantage, I had a strong sense of the loneliness surrounding her. I enjoyed how some of the people she comes into contact with become true friends, especially her protective neighbour. However, at times, I could almost feel her desperation as she tries, with to be honest, with good reason, to force the numbers to do her bidding.
Don’t Count on Me is an awesome read and I found it difficult to believe that it’s the debut novel by Claire. It’s a book which will stay with me for a long time, making me ask the question, is knowing how much time you have with a person a blessing or a curse?
August 14, 2025
Alma isn't your average woman - she sees numbers above everybody she meets, but what do they mean? And are they a curse? Or a blessing?
To answer this question would be somewhat of a spoiler, so I won't. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early ARC of the novel. I don't read as much as I'd like to or want to these days, because I find a lot of book, frankly, boring. Either thy fail to grab me, or they don't move at a sufficient pace. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with Don't Count On Me.
The plot is intriguing, Camden's writing style is clipped and urgent (big tick). Alma is a great character, as are her supporting cast. There's quite a few twists and turns - the reveal of what the numbers truly are was a surprise and I enjoyed how Alma learned how to live with her 'talent'.
There are several time jumps in the plot, they're quite significant shifts, but the point is to jar the reader, and they work. The ending was great, too.
All in all a highly unusual premise, great characters and really well written. Top drawer IMHO.
To answer this question would be somewhat of a spoiler, so I won't. I was fortunate enough to get my hands on an early ARC of the novel. I don't read as much as I'd like to or want to these days, because I find a lot of book, frankly, boring. Either thy fail to grab me, or they don't move at a sufficient pace. Thankfully, that wasn't the case with Don't Count On Me.
The plot is intriguing, Camden's writing style is clipped and urgent (big tick). Alma is a great character, as are her supporting cast. There's quite a few twists and turns - the reveal of what the numbers truly are was a surprise and I enjoyed how Alma learned how to live with her 'talent'.
There are several time jumps in the plot, they're quite significant shifts, but the point is to jar the reader, and they work. The ending was great, too.
All in all a highly unusual premise, great characters and really well written. Top drawer IMHO.
September 19, 2025
Every now and then a book comes along with an idea so brilliant that you just have to bow down to the authors imagine.
This is one of those books.
Alma, a young woman, has a rough childhood. Her father dies young and her mum is a prostitute. She has a tough time at school and a 16th birthday party changes everything. Especially when she ends up sectioned because of her visions.
The unique thing in this is the numbers Alma sees floating above everyone's head. The number of times she will interact with them again in her lifetime. What a fascinating concept right? Especially when you make decisions based on those numbers.
The positives and negatives of this are explored and its done brilliantly. A lot of thought and depth. A light hearted edge is given through Alma's inner dialogue which is hilarious.
Alma is a great character and you are right there with her every step of the way. I loved Namke too.
It's a steady pace, and doesn't dip or wane at any point. I really enjoyed this and struggled to put it down. I cant wait to read more from this fresh voice with new ideas.
This is one of those books.
Alma, a young woman, has a rough childhood. Her father dies young and her mum is a prostitute. She has a tough time at school and a 16th birthday party changes everything. Especially when she ends up sectioned because of her visions.
The unique thing in this is the numbers Alma sees floating above everyone's head. The number of times she will interact with them again in her lifetime. What a fascinating concept right? Especially when you make decisions based on those numbers.
The positives and negatives of this are explored and its done brilliantly. A lot of thought and depth. A light hearted edge is given through Alma's inner dialogue which is hilarious.
Alma is a great character and you are right there with her every step of the way. I loved Namke too.
It's a steady pace, and doesn't dip or wane at any point. I really enjoyed this and struggled to put it down. I cant wait to read more from this fresh voice with new ideas.
September 21, 2025
Reading the blurb I was really intrigued by the premise. Alma's condition is such an unusual one. Reading on, it seems to be both a blessing and a curse for her. I was fascinated by the changes that occurred in the numbers over time.
I thought the Pendle women were an interesting bunch. Nanke confused me so much, till we got her story which had me sobbing. Cassie was also someone who I thought why live this way, till it was later explained and I really felt for her, and all of them that they couldn't have had these conversations years ago. Alma had undoubtedly faced hardship, but I could sense her strength shining through from the off. Her determination and resilience was inspiring.
My one wish was that there had been an update on some of the others at the end. I wanted to know how Cassie was getting on, if Gordon found his peace, even Kate and her family.
This is a debut piece of work, and I think its a very promising showcase of what's to come from this author. I would definitely read more.
I thought the Pendle women were an interesting bunch. Nanke confused me so much, till we got her story which had me sobbing. Cassie was also someone who I thought why live this way, till it was later explained and I really felt for her, and all of them that they couldn't have had these conversations years ago. Alma had undoubtedly faced hardship, but I could sense her strength shining through from the off. Her determination and resilience was inspiring.
My one wish was that there had been an update on some of the others at the end. I wanted to know how Cassie was getting on, if Gordon found his peace, even Kate and her family.
This is a debut piece of work, and I think its a very promising showcase of what's to come from this author. I would definitely read more.
September 3, 2025
Alma has a difficult childhood and struggles to find her way in life. And the fact that she, herself, is different, makes it tougher. Alma’ sees numbers above people’s heads and comes to realise that they indicate how many more encounters she will have with that person in her lifetime.
This reminded me of the numbers trilogy by Rachel Ward, which I really loved, but sadly it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was okay, and I liked the way that Alma came to use her unusual ability to her advantage; for example, when job hunting, if she was interviewed by someone with a zero above their head, indicating she would never see them again, Alma could easily predict that she wouldn’t get the job, so no wasted effort required! The concept was clever and the ending was satisfying, I feel perhaps that this would appeal more to a YA audience.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
This reminded me of the numbers trilogy by Rachel Ward, which I really loved, but sadly it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. It was okay, and I liked the way that Alma came to use her unusual ability to her advantage; for example, when job hunting, if she was interviewed by someone with a zero above their head, indicating she would never see them again, Alma could easily predict that she wouldn’t get the job, so no wasted effort required! The concept was clever and the ending was satisfying, I feel perhaps that this would appeal more to a YA audience.
3 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this book.
September 18, 2025
Geez Louise, what a blinder of a book.
Original, brilliantly executed and down right terrifying.
The main character Alma hasn't had an easy upbringing, her father passing away when she was young and her mother not coping turns to drugs and prostitution.
But that isn't her biggest challenge, Alma sees illuminated numbers over everyone's head it's a count down to when she will encounter them again. Can you imagine how disturbing that would be?
Alma believes that everyone can also see numbers and when she confines in her friend, she suddenly realised that she was totally alone and was sent into a psychiatric hospital.
I absolutely adore Alma, her sense of humour and sassy one-liners. But also for the raw ness of her character.
The perfectly added twist towards the end made me want for more!
Original, brilliantly executed and down right terrifying.
The main character Alma hasn't had an easy upbringing, her father passing away when she was young and her mother not coping turns to drugs and prostitution.
But that isn't her biggest challenge, Alma sees illuminated numbers over everyone's head it's a count down to when she will encounter them again. Can you imagine how disturbing that would be?
Alma believes that everyone can also see numbers and when she confines in her friend, she suddenly realised that she was totally alone and was sent into a psychiatric hospital.
I absolutely adore Alma, her sense of humour and sassy one-liners. But also for the raw ness of her character.
The perfectly added twist towards the end made me want for more!
September 20, 2025
Well this book was just amazing, I was completely hooked, a page turning brilliant read.
Alma was such a wonderfully written character, her heartbreaking childhood and her ability to see neon numbers of how many encounters she will have with people that cross her path.
This book was full of emotional but also humour Alma had me smiling on numerous occasions.
There were lots of characters in the book that interacted with Alma some nice some not so but each character was so descriptive it was easy to picture them.
If you want a really good read this is it!
Absolutely loved it an easy 5⭐️ read and hard to believe this is a debut author, I cannot wait to see what Claire writes next.
That you @zooloosbooktours for having me on this fantastic book tour
#ClaireCamden #DontCountOnMe
#ZooloosBookTours @clairecamdenauthor
Alma was such a wonderfully written character, her heartbreaking childhood and her ability to see neon numbers of how many encounters she will have with people that cross her path.
This book was full of emotional but also humour Alma had me smiling on numerous occasions.
There were lots of characters in the book that interacted with Alma some nice some not so but each character was so descriptive it was easy to picture them.
If you want a really good read this is it!
Absolutely loved it an easy 5⭐️ read and hard to believe this is a debut author, I cannot wait to see what Claire writes next.
That you @zooloosbooktours for having me on this fantastic book tour
#ClaireCamden #DontCountOnMe
#ZooloosBookTours @clairecamdenauthor
September 21, 2025
The premise of this book is initially what caught my attention, sounded very unique so I couldn’t wait to see what was in store. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I really liked the story line and the concept.
This was a very original read which had a little bit of everything going on. There was humour, grief, love, heartbreak and everything in between, so it was definitely one you could sink your teeth into.
I really enjoyed the strong character development, it felt as though you were on the journey alongside Alma. It’s always nice to have characters you can really invest your time into and feel like your supporting them as they go on their journey.
The pacing was great and I really appreciated the short, choppy chapters, it always helps me to fly through a book when set out this way. Overall, this is a very strong debut from the author.
This was a very original read which had a little bit of everything going on. There was humour, grief, love, heartbreak and everything in between, so it was definitely one you could sink your teeth into.
I really enjoyed the strong character development, it felt as though you were on the journey alongside Alma. It’s always nice to have characters you can really invest your time into and feel like your supporting them as they go on their journey.
The pacing was great and I really appreciated the short, choppy chapters, it always helps me to fly through a book when set out this way. Overall, this is a very strong debut from the author.
August 20, 2025
Being someone who has been delusional for a period of my life I find the premise of the main character not being sure whether they are psychotic or whether weird stuff is really happening a riveting concept, and one I also write about. Alma sees numbers above people’s heads and needs to make the decision whether her theory on what these numbers mean should determine the course of her life. I loved Alma's voice, her terms of phrase made me laugh out loud and the original concept of the numbers appearing above people’s heads. I can think of no greater praise for a book than thinking I didn't want that to end, which is what I thought when I finished Don't Count On Me. In a world of sequels and reboots go buy something original, Don't Count On Me by Claire Campden will not disappoint.
August 13, 2025
Firstly I want to say thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of Don’t Count on Me.
Alma sees numbers above people’s heads telling her how many more encounters she has. What a brilliant concept!!!
This was unlike anything I’ve ever read. As soon as I started I was hooked and I flew through the chapters. I really laughed at some of Alma’s dialogue, being a millennial and growing up in the same era that Alma did made the book feel all that more relatable. The writing was witty and fast paced, the chapters short and easy to get through. I really really enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend!
Alma sees numbers above people’s heads telling her how many more encounters she has. What a brilliant concept!!!
This was unlike anything I’ve ever read. As soon as I started I was hooked and I flew through the chapters. I really laughed at some of Alma’s dialogue, being a millennial and growing up in the same era that Alma did made the book feel all that more relatable. The writing was witty and fast paced, the chapters short and easy to get through. I really really enjoyed the story and would definitely recommend!
August 16, 2025
I really enjoyed this. I was going to give it four stars, but I really really liked the ending. I saw the concept of numbers above the head being number of days until death on some TV show somewhere maybe a decade ago, but that show wasn't executed well. I remember thinking that it was such a cool concept and I wished someone would do something better with it someday. Well, this is that book we've been waiting for. I really liked reading about her experiments to understand how the numbers worked, and I really liked reading about her struggle to go from rags to comfort. Thanks for the advanced read.
September 17, 2025
What if you knew exactly how many more times you’d see someone again?
That’s Alma Pendle’s reality. Neon numbers float above everyone’s heads, counting down her remaining encounters with them. Friends. Strangers. Even family.
She thought it was normal until she told her best friend and wound up in the psych ward.
Now, her mum’s high as a kite, her beloved Nanke’s vanished without a word, and every man she ever meets is history before he even has a chance.
Alma doesn’t want to be special. She just wants to be normal.
But fate - or whatever’s behind the numbers - has other plans.
That’s Alma Pendle’s reality. Neon numbers float above everyone’s heads, counting down her remaining encounters with them. Friends. Strangers. Even family.
She thought it was normal until she told her best friend and wound up in the psych ward.
Now, her mum’s high as a kite, her beloved Nanke’s vanished without a word, and every man she ever meets is history before he even has a chance.
Alma doesn’t want to be special. She just wants to be normal.
But fate - or whatever’s behind the numbers - has other plans.
September 19, 2025
Don't Count On Me by Claire Camden is a thought-provoking read that explores the complexities of human connections through the eyes of Alma Pendle. Gifted and cursed with the ability to see how many times she’ll encounter others, Alma grapples with loneliness and a desire for normalcy. After sharing her unique perception, she finds herself misunderstood and isolated, with her family dynamics further unraveling. Camden weaves themes of fate, intimacy, and the fear of loss, creating a poignant narrative that will resonate with anyone who has ever questioned the value of their relationships. A compelling story for fans of contemporary fantasy and emotional realism.
September 23, 2025
What an interesting premise for a story. What would you do if everyone you met had a number above their head, indicating the number of encounters you’d have with them? This is what life is like for Alma each day seeing the numbers change of those she has encounters with. How would you feel if those closest to you had numbers dwindling? I found this concept a little scary and a little sad just imagining the impact of knowing those close to us have limited encounters and that due to this Alma was able to know when her final encounters with a person would be.
One thing I did love is how Alma referred to those she was seeing only once as “doughnuts”.
Overall a quick and easy read.
One thing I did love is how Alma referred to those she was seeing only once as “doughnuts”.
Overall a quick and easy read.
August 17, 2025
Ten...nine...eight...seven...
Alma sees glary neon numbers above the heads of everyone she sees and the numbers are different for everyone and they are counting down every time she sees them again.
This has gone on Alma's whole life. And it's not something she tells most people or that most people would believe.
I really enjoyed Alma's story (especially her inner dialogue). I loved her life as she got it a little more under control. Her early life rather sucked.
I received this book from Lit Ideas through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
Alma sees glary neon numbers above the heads of everyone she sees and the numbers are different for everyone and they are counting down every time she sees them again.
This has gone on Alma's whole life. And it's not something she tells most people or that most people would believe.
I really enjoyed Alma's story (especially her inner dialogue). I loved her life as she got it a little more under control. Her early life rather sucked.
I received this book from Lit Ideas through Net Galley in the hopes that I would read it and leave an unbiased review.
September 30, 2025
Alma sees numbers above peoples heads, an interesting concept that reminded me a little of the series “Death Note”. There were parts of this book I enjoyed and others I didn’t. Overall, it was a quick read that showed the main character overcoming multiple life struggles. I enjoyed the ending of the book, however I struggled with the way the main character saw other women and the multiple slut-shaming references throughout the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
February 1, 2026
Alma has a most usual gift. Not all gifts are something that you want. Her gift is seeing numbers above peoples heads. She inherited this gift though no one had told her what it meant. As she matured she figured out that it meant encounters with an individual. Each encounter caused their number to drop to the next low number. This gift proved productive in some cases and challenging in others.
This is a very unique story and one that will be long remembered.
Thank you Claire Camden and Voracious Readers Only
This is a very unique story and one that will be long remembered.
Thank you Claire Camden and Voracious Readers Only
September 3, 2025
Very different from what I typically read, but I was not disappointed. The concept is very unusual. I enjoyed the character growth. I thought for sure the ending was going to make me extremely angry because I'm sorry, Damo sucks. But the plot twist made it worth finishing the book. I even recommended the book to my best friend.
September 19, 2025
I received an advanced kindle copy of this book via my Facebook Book Reading Group.
I really liked the premise of the book and enjoyed the story, though I really wouldn’t want to be seeing these numbers myself!
The book was so easy to read a real page turner, so much so I read it in less than 5 hours!
I will definitely look out for the author's future work!
I really liked the premise of the book and enjoyed the story, though I really wouldn’t want to be seeing these numbers myself!
The book was so easy to read a real page turner, so much so I read it in less than 5 hours!
I will definitely look out for the author's future work!
September 21, 2025
Being able to see exactly how many times you're going to see someone again? Great concept, but for an anxiety sufferer like me that's panic attack territory right there!
The story had me hooked from the off and it pretty much turned into a one sitting read...the chapters were short and snappy...just one more and all that...
Alma was an extremely likeable character, but I didn't envy her and her 'gift' at all.
A fantastic debut!
The story had me hooked from the off and it pretty much turned into a one sitting read...the chapters were short and snappy...just one more and all that...
Alma was an extremely likeable character, but I didn't envy her and her 'gift' at all.
A fantastic debut!
September 25, 2025
My first read by this author and an interesting one . Alma sees numbers above people’s heads telling her how many encounters thought her life she will have with each . I found that I really liked the character which led me to enjoying , what was , an easy chilled read . My thanks to tbc reviewers for me copy
October 1, 2025
This is a thought provoking read imagine if you knew how many times you had left to see people? Alma is able to do this she sees numbers above everyone's head. Quiet scary really especially when a speed dating encounter goes wrong and he becomes obsessed with her. A very interesting read totally different from other books I've read I loved it.
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